The Saints (7-9) came into the regular-season finale looking to finish another disappointing season with a three-game winning streak and avoid a third straight losing mark. But they were blitzed early and often by the league's highest-scoring offense.
PAYTON'S FUTURE

Since being suspended for a year in a bounties scandal, Payton is 32-32, with the lone playoff appearance coming in 2013.
The new $1.4 billion retractable-roof facility going up next to the dome has already been picked to host next year's college football championship game, the 2019 Super Bowl and the 2020 Final Four.
The team's lone Super Bowl appearance was 1998. Atlanta has never won a championship.
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2017
Ryan was 17 of 19 for 235 yards by halftime, directing the Falcons (11-5) to touchdowns on all five possessions and a commanding 35-13 lead. He finished 27 of 36 for 331 yards, leaving him with a franchise-record 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this season.
Neal turned his head as he approached Snead to make the tackle on a 27-yard pass play, but their helmets struck when they both ducked down.
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2017
Falcons rookie safety Keanu Neal and Saints receiver Willie Snead IV were both left with possible concussions after a huge collision in the fourth quarter.
Sean Payton's postgame press conference.
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"Matt played particularly well," coach Dan Quinn said. "He just threw some balls that were right on point."
One consolation for New Orleans: Drew Brees became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 5,000 yards five times. He was 29 of 50 for 350 yards, giving him 5,208 on the season.
He was certainly impressed with the guy who replaced him.
"I thought we had a better team than what our record ended up being," Brees said.
"He's in total control," Vick said.
Thanks 4 All The Prayers. I'm doing Fine. Took a Shot but That Won't Keep Me Down. Love This Team!! #WhoDat #TrustGOD
— Willie Snead IV (@Willie_Snead4G) January 2,Major League Baseball Jerseys, 2017
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2017
Vick, whose Falcons career ended with a dogfighting scandal that sent him to prison in 2007, made a triumphant return to the Georgia Dome during a halftime ceremony honoring the final regular-season game at the Falcons' home for the last 25 years.
His 471 completions this season set an NFL record,Wholesale Jerseys China.
Devonta Freeman ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run and also hauled in three passes for 55 yards as the Falcons put on a dazzling offensive display.
Saints coach Sean Payton declined comment about his future after a third straight 7-9 season.
"It was a pretty cool moment out there," Ryan said, appreciating the crowd's recognition of his brilliant season. "It felt really good."
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The Falcons earned a week off in the opening round of the playoffs, only the fourth time they've been in that position under the current postseason format. Atlanta had a first-round bye during the 1998 (different divisional alignment), 2004, 2010 and 2012 seasons. The Falcons won their first playoff game three of those years to advance to the NFC championship game (the only exception was 2010).
The second half was essentially a chance for Atlanta fans to serenade Ryan with MVP chants every time he was shown on the video board. The Falcons have never had a player win the NFL's top individual award.
The Saints staged a furious rally in the fourth quarter,Scarpe Air Force Just Do It, scoring three touchdowns and recovering an onside kick. But the Falcons pounced on a second onside try with 38 seconds remaining, securing the victory.
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